The SketchUp Workflow Stack
Dear Architects, Interior Designers, Draftsmen and 3D Modellers, SketchUp is the core of our studio… but it doesn’t live alone.
I’m putting together what I’m calling “The SketchUp Workflow Stack” – a practical list of tools we actually use at JDB STUDIO to move from design-first thinking to documentation-ready outputs.
If you’re building a SketchUp-centred practice (or want your team to shift from “drawing plans” to “designing experiences”), this is the ecosystem I teach when I come in to consult:
Capture & context
- Matterport – site scans + walk-throughs
- Insta360 X3 360 - 360 Photos and Video Interviews
- Apple iPad / iPhone photo + video – quick site notes
- Google Drive – all raw site data in 1 place
Core modelling
- SketchUp Pro – where every project really starts
- Curic extensions – speed, organisation, smart modelling
- 5D+ Extensions – automate & generate construction drawings
- Profile Builder – repetition without pain
Visualisation & experience
- D5 Render – real-time lighting, animation and mood
- SketchUp Scenes – fast concept views for client check-ins
Documentation & diagrams
- SketchUp LayOut – plans, sections, elevations from the model
- Trimble Inc. Project Sight - Drawings, RFIS, Photos, Field to Office
- Canva Affinity Publisher – brochures, packs, client PDFs
- Canva Affinity Designer – exploded axos, linework, overlays
Graphics, story & brand layer
- Canva Affinity Photo – image clean-up, textures, mock-ups
- Canva /Google Slides – quick decks and social-ready visuals
Project rhythm & communication
ClickUp – tasks, checklists and project rhythm
Google Workspace – email, calendar, shared folders
Google Meet – quick walkthroughs instead of long emails
This stack lets us:
- design in 3D first
- then pull out the drawings, graphics and stories we need
- without breaking the flow or duplicating work in ten different apps.
I’m turning this into a living SketchUp Workflow Stack resource (with notes on how we use each tool, not just the names).
- Google Docs version here:
https://lnkd.in/daNu-JER
Listed updated *14 Nov 2025
What have I missed?
Drop your favourite SketchUp-adjacent tools in the comments, and I’ll add the best ones to the next version.
hashtag#SketchUp hashtag#DesignThinking hashtag#ArchitecturalDesign hashtag#3DWorkflow hashtag#Affinity hashtag#Canva hashtag#Trimble hashtag#Insta360 #360 hashtag#VR hashtag#Curic # hashtag#StudioJDB
